Thousands took to the streets of Peru this Saturday (May 11) to demand the resignation of President Pedro Castillo, who is currently under investigation for corruption. The protesters roamed Lima’s historic center and reached 100 meters from Parliament, where they were blocked by riot police who used tear gas to disperse the protest.
Local media reported that protesters attacked a mounted police officer, causing his horse to fall over. Other demonstrations organized by political parties and civil society organizations took place in the cities of Cusco and Arequipa (south), Trujillo (northwest), Piura and Chiclayo (north).
At the same time, a demonstration in support of the President was held in the Peruvian capital. Leftwing Castillo has already defied two impeachment attempts demanded by the rightwing opposition parliament; and the Attorney General filed a constitutional complaint against him with Congress.
The 53yearold former country school teacher won an unexpected victory against his predecessor’s eldest daughter, farright candidate Keiko Fujimori, in the 2021 election. He faces six corruption cases, including against family members and close political allies.
Castillo denies any illegal activity and claims to be the victim of a campaign to have him removed. “I will be here until the last day of my term because my people have decided so,” he said during a ceremony at the presidential palace on Saturday.
av(AP,AFP,DPA)